Director, School Construction - Richmond Public Schools : Job Details

JOB STATUS: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Title:

Director, School Construction

Grade Level/Terms of Employment:

Grade 133/260 Days (12 months)

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Location:

Facility Services

Immediate Supervisor:

Chief Operating Officer

General Description:

The Director of School Construction provides professional and technical oversight in the planning, design, and construction of new schools, large-scale facility renovations, and other capital improvements projects for the division. The Director oversees the performance of architects, engineers, and construction contractors, performs site visits during construction, writes reports, develops, and controls project budgets. The Director also supports the analysis and assessment of RPS facilities, plans for future construction programs, and ensures a smooth transition of new school construction to the Facilities and Maintenance department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Evaluates long-term needs and develops appropriate plans for major construction and property improvements projects in coordination with division leadership and City officials.
• Provides technical information and recommendations supporting planning, design, construction, and renovation of school facilities.
• Participates in pre-construction planning conferences; reviews, evaluates, and approves drawings and specifications submitted by architects, engineers, and contractors, making necessary corrections according to established standards.
• Reviews and approves bills submitted by contractors, testing laboratories, consulting engineers, and surveying firms for payment.
• Investigates reports of faulty workmanship or materials in new construction and takes appropriate action under the terms of the guarantee.
• Monitors the progress of each contractor and inspects all work for proper workmanship consistent with the contract documents.
• Inspects schools undergoing design, renovation, or construction, interacting with architects, contractors, and project managers to ensure compliance with plans, standards, specifications, codes, and regulations.
• Coordinates training for facilities operations and maintenance teams on emergency systems, water and electrical shutoff, etc., and coordinates regular inspection and maintenance of emergency equipment during warranty periods.
• Works collaboratively with the Director of Facility Services in planning for new school construction and maintenance of existing facilities.
• Works collaboratively with the Manager of Construction Procurement in preparing bid specifications, assembling bid documents, and evaluating bids.
• Acts with stakeholders in mind, providing high-quality customer service and meeting stakeholder expectations.
• Engages in ongoing professional development to stay current with emerging technologies, building codes, and construction techniques.
• Provides feedback and evaluates staff performance against team goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred; or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience or equivalent training and experience.
• Extensive knowledge of building design approaches, building systems, construction techniques, codes, safety regulations, and land development ordinances.
• Working knowledge of laws and regulations related to Facility Services functions.
• Experience in large-scale projects in education, government, or hospitals; or as a Chief Engineer in similar operations.
• Ability to make decisions with little supervision regarding capital projects and to meet milestone deadlines.
• Effective at establishing and maintaining relationships with consultants, contractors, and school personnel.
• Valid driver's license.
• Bilingual/fluency in Spanish preferred.

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants, including RPS employees, must submit an online application at www.rvaschools.net. Please upload a current resume, transcript, and license if applicable. Include three professional references' email addresses or upload reference letters. Richmond Public Schools will conduct background checks, fingerprinting, and tuberculosis screening as part of employment requirements. EOE.

START DATE: Based on School Board approval